Editing Introduction to a Self Managed Life: a 13 hour & 28 minute presentation by FUTO software (section)

== Step 7: Install Home Assistant Application on Your Phone to Adjust POS Thermostat So You Never Have to Touch Its Touchscreen Again ==

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==== 7.1 Install the Home Assistant App on Android ====

# Open the Google Play Store
#* On your Android device, open the '''Google Play Store''' app.
# Search for Home Assistant
#* In the search bar, type '''Home Assistant'''.
# Install the App
#* Once you find the Home Assistant app (from Nabu Casa), tap '''Install''' to download and install it on your phone.
# Open the App
#* After installation is complete, tap '''Open''' to start the Home Assistant app.

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==== 7.2 Make Sure OpenVPN Connect is Connected ====

* Open the '''OpenVPN Connect''' app and connect to the VPN profile you set up for accessing your home network.

It’s important that you are connected to your VPN when accessing Home Assistant from outside your local network! None of this is set up with open ports to the outside world. Without VPN, no air conditioning for you.

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==== 7.3. Log In to Home Assistant on Android ====

# '''Launch the Home Assistant App'''
#* Open the Home Assistant app you installed earlier.
# '''Connect to Home Assistant'''
#* The app may automatically search for your Home Assistant instance. If it doesn’t find it, you can manually enter the IP address. Since you are connected via VPN, you’ll enter your Home Assistant server’s local IP, aka [http://192.168.5.4/ http://192.168.5.4]:8123.
#* You can’t add <code>192.168.5.4</code>.
#* You can’t add <code>192.168.5.4:8123</code>.
#* IT MUST BE [http://192.168.5.4/ http://192.168.5.4]:8123.
#* You have to have the <code>http://</code> and the port.
# '''Log In'''
# '''Enable Location Tracking (Optional)'''
#* You’ll be prompted to enable location tracking. You can choose to allow or deny this depending on your preferences. They’re not spying on you though; they’re nice people, not like the [https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-sues-general-motors-unlawfully-collecting-drivers-private-data-and evil bastards] that sold you your car.

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==== 7.4. Adjust the Thermostat Using the Home Assistant App ====

# '''Access the Thermostat in the App'''
#* After logging in, you’ll see the Home Assistant dashboard.
#* FInd your Venstar Thermostat (e.g., Second Floor Thermostat) on the dashboard.
# '''Control the Thermostat'''
#* Tap on the thermostat card to open the controls.
#* From here, you can:
#** '''Adjust the Temperature:''' Use the sliders or buttons to set the temperature.
#** '''Set Mode:''' Change the thermostat to Heat, Cool, or Auto.
#** '''Fan Control:''' Choose whether the fan should run Continuously or only when the heat/AC is on.
# '''Monitor Historical Data on when you Had it on'''
#* The app will display historical data showing the target temperature and current room temperature over time, so you can see when it was on, etc.

<blockquote>Historical data will not show how many times you have punched the thermostat’s touchscreen, cursed at Venstar, or threatened the lives of the people who engineered it. But it should.
</blockquote>
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